Step Change Studios recognised as an EFDS Associate Member

Step Change Studios believes disabled people should have the same opportunities as non-disabled people to access and continue enjoying activities. The stark reality is that disabled people are half as likely to as active as non-disabled people and the gap in participation has widened. Less than half the number of disabled people are taking part in sport or physical activity for 30 minutes once a week, compared to non-disabled people.

However, research shows that most disabled people are not as active as they would like to be and that demand is not being met. EFDS’s Disabled People’s Lifestyle Report highlights that seven in ten disabled people want to increase their physical activity.

Step Change Studios is a pioneering dance company committed to making Latin and Ballroom dance accessible for all ages and abilities. It provides opportunities for disabled and non-disabled people to dance together through open group classes, as well as delivering dance in social care, healthcare, education, and community settings. Step Change Studios tailors its dance provision to meet different needs and interests, such as chair-based dance for people with limited mobility, creating imaginative bespoke opportunities to perform, and developing competitive potential for those wanting to compete.

Rashmi Becker, Founder of Step Change Studios said:

“I established Step Change Studios as a response the lack of opportunities for disabled people to participate in Latin and Ballroom dance. Dance not only benefits health and wellbeing, it can be enjoyed on all levels – be it social, artistic, or as a competitive sport. My vision is to challenge perceptions and existing practice so that mainstream Latin and Ballroom dance is more inclusive and recognises everyone’s potential.

“I am delighted that Step Change Studios has been awarded Associate Member status by EFDS. It is critical for organisations who want to advance opportunities for disabled people to work together to promote better practice, and bring about positive change. EFDS undertakes excellent work to bring like-minded organisations together to make a difference. Its Charter for Change sets out clearly what disabled people need to be active and Step Change Studios is committed to helping realising the ambitions set out in the Charter.”

Barry Horne, Chief Executive for EFDS, said:

“Our vision ‘disabled people are active for life’ is a powerful proposition, but for that vision to be realised, it will take a variety of influential organisations aspiring for the same goal. Our ongoing recruitment of Associate Members is helping us to build a much bigger platform to deliver a major shift in activity levels. Step Change Studios presented a high quality application and we are proud to welcome them as a new Associate Member.”